LulzSec

LulzSec, short for Lulz Security, was a black hat hacking collective that took credit for a series of prominent cyberattacks, such as knocking the CIA’s website offline and breaching Sony Pictures’ servers in June 2011 (though the earlier PlayStation Network user account breach in April 2011 was carried out by a separate group). Security experts noted that the group highlighted weak system defenses and the risks of reusing passwords. The group drew attention for targeting major organizations and posting sarcastic messages after each attack. One co-founder, Hector Monsegur—known online as Sabu—was a computer security specialist who later cooperated with law enforcement as part of a plea deal, helping authorities identify other members. In March 2012, at least five associates were arrested due to his cooperation. Earlier, British police had detained two teenagers believed to be members, including Topiary (Jake Davis) and another individual (not T-flow, who was a separate member arrested later in 2012).

Just after midnight BST on 26 June 2011, LulzSec released a statement titled “50 days of lulz,” calling it their final release and confirming the group had six members. They announced their website would close, and the release included account credentials from various sources. Despite claiming to retire, the group hacked News Corporation’s newspapers on 18 July, altering them with false stories about Rupert Murdoch’s death. LulzSec also helped launch Operation AntiSec, a joint effort with Anonymous and other hackers.

The group had seven core members, whose online handles were identified through leaks, IRC logs published by The Guardian, and the group’s own confirmations. Sabu, a founder and apparent leader, often chose targets and decided who could participate. He may have been part of the Anonymous group that hacked HBGary. Attempts to reveal his identity suggested he was an IT consultant with strong hacking skills and knowledge of Python. He was arrested in June 2011, identified as a 29-year-old unemployed man from New York’s Lower East Side. On 15 August, he pleaded guilty to hacking charges and agreed to cooperate with the FBI, unmasking other members over seven months.